I myself believe strongly in the power of miracles, however, I will not put my life on hold for something that may not manifest itself in my lifetime. I would much rather be prepared for the wreckage, than live in fear of it.

"Self-Love" is a popular term that is used now, more than ever, and is thought to be something that is a prerequisite for a good life and loving relationships. But what exactly is self-love, and why is it so important?

He acts six. He is two. Most of the time, I forget he is two. Nacho has a composed nature that is, for lack of a better word, old! He isn't wiggly and silly, nor is he easily distractible or apt to bark. He does not strain toward or away from cats, birds, or other dogs most of the time.

One of the keys to happy, healthy relationships is accepting and appreciating difference, yet, it is one of the hardest things for humans to do. No wonder so many of us find relationships difficult. Accepting differences is doable if you keep the following guidelines in mind.

Love asks more of us than to simply feel a strong attraction to another person. It asks (or demands) that we put our own desires and preferences aside and replace them with a desire to serve the desires of our partner, not always, but probably more often than most of us would want to.

We've been through changes a million and one times, but it still doesn't feel simple. With every change we find ourselves gripping the bar ahead of us on the roller coaster of life. What will be at the top of this hill? Will I make it over and around, upside down and finally to the end without throwing up or giving up?

I'm a transgender man who passes; only I don't. What do I mean by that? What I mean is that I can walk into a men's bathroom and no one blinks because I have my clothes on. But once I drop my shorts; there is a lot of explaining to do.

I've heard that with age comes wisdom; I'm more apt to say awareness. My appreciation for the good things that have come my way has grown. My understanding of the part I've played in some of the bad things has deepened.

Are you navigating though life by trying to figure out what everybody else thinks, wants and likes, in order to do, be and give that to them so they'll like you? This is very common, but certainly not unproblematic. Here are a few reasons why.

I felt self-conscious for slowing everyone down, even though my dad and brother were nothing but encouraging as we climbed. But mostly, I missed my mom. I missed having her in the back with me, asking me questions, singing songs. I missed the lightness and easiness of it.

It caught me entirely off guard. It's not like I've never said the words before. When I was a kid going to public school in the Main Line Suburbs of Philadelphia, we regularly said the Pledge of Allegiance in class at the start of the day.

Inside Out should be required viewing for all elementary school and middle school kids, if not all people of any age. There are wonderful lessons and conversations starters for families, especially if kids struggle with intense emotions, like Highly Sensitive Children or ADHD kids.

When a loved one has Alzheimer's it's critically important to overcome denial and realize that they have it. And it's even more important to accept the diagnosis and all it means. These are to two entirely different things.

Racism, homophobia, and disregard for the poor are just examples of a common set of processes. We have a psychological problem in our country and in our world. We know some of what it is. It is time to solve it.

Defining and embracing a true gay culture, which goes well beyond sexuality, is the next stage. We see organizations like gay softball leagues, gay choirs, and gay running clubs. They are institutions meant to build strength and support between one another because we do share so much in common and we understand what it took to become who we are more than anyone else.

To Jack and all the magically different children who are struggling to fit in -- we need you. You color our world. You will write the songs and stories that will inspire us. You will create beautiful art for us to enjoy. Thank goodness we will have your comedic genius to make us laugh when there is so much to cry about in the world. You will create the things we never knew we needed, but then can't live without.